FC Cincinnati: USL core and 4-4-2 knits everything together

FC Cincinnati have seven points from their first four MLS matches. In large part, they have a return to a 4-4-2 and a USL core to thank.

After losing 4-1 to the Seattle Sounders on the opening weekend, FC Cincinnati switched system, from the 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2. The move has worked.

The first use of the 4-4-2, which is slightly amended from the flat 4-4-2 and includes two higher-positioned wingers and two deeper-lying central midfielders, earned FC Cincinnati a point against Atlanta United. Then they beat the Portland Timbers and New England Revolution using the same system.

Rotating to the 4-4-2 seems to make the best use of the roster. And one thing that it certainly uses is the bulk of the USL-dominating squad from recent seasons.

In the win on the road against the New England Revolution, center-back Forrest Lasso started for the first time. He’s the fifth FC Cincinnati USL squad member to start this season.

He played the full 90 minutes. Lasso covered his defensive position well throughout and narrowly missed a header in the 53rd minute, on a set-piece taken by fellow former USL-squad member Emmanuel Ledesma. Lasso was highly commended for his all-round display on his first MLS start.

Last season’s USL MVP, Ledesma, also started this game and subbed in for another one. He’s earned a solid position on the team and has quickly shown aptitude in the 4-4-2 formation.

He’s not showing up in the boldface part of the statistics box yet. But his influence on the game is noticeable, with his delivery from wide areas and creativity when he drops deep a key threat for the FC Cincinnati attack.

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Carefully examining game timelines, Ledesma shows up with near-assists constantly. They come off his free-kicks, crosses and long passes. As he plays more frequently, his chance creation will yield assists. And naturally, the goals will come also.

Like Lasso, he doesn’t have enough MLS playing time for meaningful statistics yet. But he provides

far more to the team than just goals and assists. Among MLS forwards, Ledesma is one the best defenders, for instance. He dispossesses opponents regularly and is not afraid to tackle, adding an element of bite and high pressure to the Cincinnati frontline that other teams do not possess.

Add to these recent USL standouts the MLS-seasoned members of the FC Cincinnati squad and it’s simple to see that these players perfectly fit the unified, team personality that scouts see in FCC.

It is all coming together rather nicely for FC Cincinnati. And they have the throwback 4-4-2 and a crux of key USL stars to thank.